A Class Scratch Round 3

A cold morning at the Brook today – very cold.
 
The sailors stopped complaining about cold, and then stinging fingers after about half an hour – only because they had become numb from the icy breeze….

We had Ray and Ricky along today to help with the PRO duties, and Ray had us running right on the 10am buzzer.
 
Five skippers on the water today, with Bodge taking charge of the club oat for the day.
 
A very light Northerly to start with , with a few oscillations to the west and south as the day went on.

Stu shot out of the blocks early, certainly showing there was heaps of life left in the trusty Venom – easily matching the Blisters as the day wore on. Even a few races in a row with an OCS and a start buoy contact not being enough to hold him back (won both from memory). A magnificent day from him, showing us all how to sail the light airs at the dam, with a few instances rocketing from last place at the  downwind mark (when we were racing in reverse on the west and southerly wind changes), to blast past the entire fleet on far superior knowledge and management of the changing wind patterns. Having to drop a 3rd and 2nd place only during the day, it was no surprise that Stu won the day very convincingly on just 10 points
 
Thirteen points behind in second was yours truly – a mixed bag of a day, with a number of maintenance and idiot issues such as flat batteries, topping lift coming adrift from the jib boom and main luff eyelet catching on the sidestay (yes, it can happen so I found out) contributing to a lot of inconsistencies for the day. Lucky really to hold on to second with 23 points.
 
In third today, was John Hall, who had quite a consistent day overall, with 7 podium positions from the 12 races and finishing off with a pair of seconds.
 
It was great having Bodge giving the club A Class a sail, and with news we have another yacht joining the club very soon, the class looks to be increasing the interest amongst the sailors. Before long, we might be seeing close to 10 boats on the water, which will be fantastic.
 
Coming up
 
Wednesday is DF95 Mid Week Handicap at the dam, button press at 1030
 
Next Sunday will be IOM Scratch Winter Series Round 3 at the dam – button press at 10am. We would love to hear from anyone who would like to fill in as PRO for this one. Please contact Ray or myself if you’re interested.
 
Kyle